Carman, Christian Musician, Is Hopeful Despite Terminal Multiple Myeloma Cancer Diagnosis And Encouraged By The Love And Support Of His Fans

Carman Licciardello, who was diagnosed with terminal, multiple myeloma cancer in February of this year, has experienced a spiritual uplift resulting from the overwhelming love and support of his fans.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood that affects the body's bone marrow and doctors estimated that Carman had 3-4 years left to live, according to About.com.

He decided to continue his ministry despite the diagnosis saying, "I will continue to minister and win souls until I can't do it any longer. My life has always been about ministry. I have a call of God to touch lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ and that's what I will do until the Lord calls me home," About.com reports.

He was initially stunned and devastated by the news, but with the support of his fans he began to approach the situation with a renewed vision of hope and faith in the power of Christ, according to Today's Christian Music. Carman is determined to fight his cancer and has even started his first independent, fan-funded new album and music video through Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects.

Carman's Kickstarter campaign was launched on April 19, and it has already become one of Kickstarter's most successful Christian music campaigns ever, raising over $158,000 to date with an ultimate goal of reaching $200,000 by his deadline on June 18, Today's Christian Music reports. Fans can donate from $1 to several thousand dollars and will receive commensurate gifts of appreciation from Carman once the campaign is fully funded and the album and music video are recorded and released.

"I'm so excited about this incredible opportunity we all have through Kickstarter to make something happen as a team and a family," Carman said to his fans, according to Today's Christian Music. "Cancer pronounced a death sentence, but you have been life to me, rallying me back into the fight and praying me back to my feet. As one fan said on my Facebook page, 'Look at what Jesus did in three years.' So as for you and me, with this new project and us working together, the next three years are going to be a blast."

Carman has taken to Facebook to thank his fans for their love and support saying, "Thank you all for the prayers and support. It has been YOU, my friends, my partners, my brothers and sisters in Christ who have rallied me back into the fight and prayed me back to my feet."

Carman has been touring from coast-to-coast, sharing his hit songs including his most recent addition, "The Flag," a compelling anthem utilizing the Pledge of Allegiance to create a melodic, inspirational message about America pride, Todays Christian Music reports. His tour schedule can be accessed at http://www.carmanlive.com/.

"I will not leave this world quietly and I want the devil to know that he put cancer on absolutely the wrong Italian," Carmen said, according to About.com.